Nha Trang’s Coastal and Historical Sights
Nha Trang’s Coastal
and Historical Sights
A blissful beach destination often comes with its unique sights and sounds, and Nha Trang
is no exception. From seeing into what the ocean has to offer at one of the leading
centres to wandering spiritual landmarks will fill a half-day with contentment.
WHY THIS TOUR?
With a backdrop of mountains, numerous deserted islands and kilometres of white sandy beaches, it is hard not to enjoy the benefits of such an idyllic location. We are talking about Nha Trang, of course. Its pristine location alongside swaying palm trees, beaches that demand some relaxation time, and within driving distance from the former capital Ho Chi Minh City (450 kilometres), this beachside town draws a crowd for showing the sunnier side of life.
Nha Trang is perhaps slightly less blessed with cultural sights and centres than other Vietnamese destinations such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. But this Vietnamese beach interlude has enough to provide for some decent snapshot material for those wanting to take home good visual memories of their holiday destination. The towers of Thap Ba Ponagar, Loc Tho Pagoda and the Oceanographic Institute are undoubtedly the most popular cultural sight on offer.
TRAIL ITINERARY
08:00 - 12:00
-
13:30 - 17:30
Your English-speaking guide and driver will pick you up for this 4 -hour tour along with Nha Trang’s famed sights and sounds. The excursion starts with a visit to the Oceanographic Institute, dating back to 1923, the home to many colourful specimens of local marine life. It has an aquarium, a specimen room and a library that is open to the public. Located behind the main building, the large hall preserves hundreds of sea birds and fish, corals and remains of other marine creatures.
Following this insight in the aquatic part of Nha Trang, the Loc Tho Pagoda is a sight that cannot be missed. Situated just outside Nha Trang city centre, this place of worship is a landmark of immense proportions and marks the importance of Nha Trang as a pilgrimage site in the country.
Following this spiritual stop, we pay homage at the Po Nagar Cham Towers in our next Nha Trang site, a sacred Hindu site dating back to the 2nd century AD. The towers were constructed between the 7th and 12th centuries and are still seen as a place of pilgrimage for Cham and Vietnamese Buddhists. Named in honour of the former Cham Princess who introduced her people to profitable weaving and wet rice cultivation techniques, it is another memento that links Nha Trang to a thriving past.
Our tour ends at the Dam market in the centre of Nha Trang – one of Vietnams’ most interesting and thriving local markets. An abundance of local produce such as fruit, vegetables and seafood, are the most common, but you will also see dried seahorses and lizards – popular specialities of Nha Trang!